For 40 years, Keni "Arts" Davis has been the chronicler of Altadena's evolution, capturing its transformation from a neighborhood with liquor stores to one bustling with coffee shops and boutiques. The retired Hollywood set painter, known for his work on films like "Ocean's Eleven" and TV shows such as "Star Trek," has always found solace in his watercolors. However, none of his previous subjects could have prepared him for the stark reality of the Eaton fire, which ravaged his beloved neighborhood in January.
The fire not only destroyed Davis' home and art studio but also many of the locations he had lovingly painted over the years. Yet, amidst the devastation, Davis finds inspiration. With his easel and paints, he returns to familiar spots, now scarred by the fire, to capture their skeletal remains. His latest series, "Beauty From Ashes," is a testament to his optimism and resilience.
"I love to do this," Davis said, as he began sketching Everest Burgers, a popular burger joint he had painted before the fire. His positivity is rooted in his faith, often citing Isaiah 61:3, which speaks of exchanging ashes for beauty and mourning for joy.
Davis' journey as an artist began when he was a child, painting en plein air with his art teacher. He fell in love with capturing buildings, initially considering a career in architecture. However, his passion for painting buildings soon overshadowed his interest in designing them. His work in Altadena reflects this love, as well as his ability to connect with strangers while painting. Once, in Hollywood, he encountered a homeless man who, to his surprise, began singing beautifully, revealing a past as a Broadway singer.
As Davis paints the ruins of Altadena, he is reminded of the community's strength. A woman named Cindy approached him, expressing how much his paintings mean to her and the community. They both vowed not to leave Altadena, a testament to the neighborhood's close-knit nature.
The fire has dramatically altered Davis' palette. Gone are the vibrant reds and greens; instead, muted browns and grays dominate his canvases. Yet, even in devastation, he finds beauty. His paintings are not for sale; they are a tribute to the resilience of Altadena and its people.
Davis plans to rebuild his home and hopes to exhibit his post-fire artwork. As he paints, emergency workers and construction crews work around him, a symbol of the community's determination to rebuild. In the midst of destruction, Davis stands as a beacon of hope, capturing the essence of a neighborhood that refuses to be defined by its ashes.
Source:
Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-04/hes-painted-altadena-for-40-years-now-he-is-painting-the-ruins-of-the-eaton-fire
Image Credit: Genaro Molina/Los Angeles Times